The Town of Oakville officially launched construction of a new recreation and culture complex in the town’s north end on June 27.

Mayor Rob Burton, members of Council and town staff were joined by representatives from Diamond Schmitt Architects, MBTW Group, and Gateman Milloy Inc. to celebrate the milestone that will first see a community park opening in 2023, followed by a community centre and library in 2024.

Located just north of Neyagawa Boulevard and Dundas Street, the expanding community park and outdoor spaces will feature two additional lit sports fields (one with artificial turf), cricket field, skateboard park, bike pump track, splash pad, children’s playground, fieldhouse and washroom facility.

The community centre, meanwhile, will span 65,000 square feet, and include aquatic facilities, fitness/active living centre, flexible multi-use space to accommodate seniors, youth and cultural programming and gymnasiums.

An 18,000-square foot branch of the Oakville Public Library branch will include work and study spaces, a creation and media zone, reading and conversation areas, children’s spaces and flexible programming spaces.

Both will connect to the existing Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.

“Council and I are excited that the next phase of the community park portion of the future community centre, library, and park in north Oakville is beginning and that residents will be able to enjoy the outdoor spaces next year,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. “We remain committed to delivering the programs, services, and facilities that residents need to live, play and work.”

The entire development is being built to Oakville Universal Design Standards. Accessibility features include barrier-free parking and vehicle access close to accessible entrances, pathways and wayfinding that will be lit when dark. Inside the community centre and in the outdoor spaces, all washrooms will have touchless flush valves, faucets, soap dispensers and hand dryers. The pools will have accessible ramp entry. 

The facility will also include renewable energy technologies and green building standards, including LEED-certification, net-zero carbon and low-energy design approach, and exploring technology and design (self-tinting electro-chromatic glass, solar walls, sensor-controlled LED lighting and more).

Construction on the next phase of the community park will begin in July, while construction on the community centre and library will begin this fall or in the spring of 2023. The opening of the community park is being planned for 2023 while the opening of the community centre and library are planned for 2024.

The project is estimated to cost nearly $106.1 million, including $88.9 million for the community centre/library and $17.2 million for the park development.